I've been coming here for three months and it's been great. I've never been to a yoga studio where the teacher consistently corrects your form to make sure you're engaging the right muscles and preventing injuries (he also has lift classes as well, which are amazing) I'm recovering from ACL reconstruction, and coming here regularly has really helped with rebuilding my stability. I also see other people with injuries or mobility issues, and Brian is great about offering modifications so you can get the most out of the practice while minimizing risk. read more

Would not recommend for a variety of reasons. Here's a few: 1. Instructor touches you to correct your form, often inappropriately without even asking first for consent. This will never be appropriate and felt like a gross misuse of his power as an instructor . In a small class, I didn't even feel like I could say something without making a scene so it continued to occur. I've taken many yoga classes & appreciate form tips & even repositioning but touching my ass & other parts of my body on the first go is so so icky. His patronizing tone throughout the class was also very discouraging and the opposite of what you want from a fitness class. 2. Carpet. In a hot yoga studio, where you are not allowed to use mats? This is grossly unsanitary. If you're good with being violated and getting athletes foot then this is the place for you! read more

Body Tonic SF has been a transformative part of my health and wellness journey. As someone who studied Public and Holistic Health for over a decade, I still have struggled with implementing and maintaining a consistent, dynamic and effective physical exercise routine into my daily living. During a class assignment, I was directed to set a personal health goal and commit to a 30-day health challenge. That's when I discovered Body Tonic SF, and I'm so grateful I gave it a try. Brian Monnier's realistic and personalized approach to wellness made all the difference. Having faced my own challenges with eating and body image disorders, the combination of yoga and individual lift sessions at Body Tonic has become instrumental in my journey toward wellness. His program also includes unique tools for eating healthy and determining one's food type (carb, protein or mixed). I'm proud to share that I successfully completed the 30-day challenge, attending classes 3-4 times a week. Furthermore, beyond that, I found myself motivated to increase my frequency and explore other forms of exercise in the months that followed. Since March, I've lost about eight pounds, toned up, and built muscle. More importantly, my relationship with my body has significantly improved. While this is a lifelong journey, I know that regular yoga and lift sessions at Body Tonic will remain an essential part of my overall wellness. I would encourage everyone to give it a try. He frequently has introductory specials and is one of the few teachers in SF who has been teaching this long, running his own studio. read more

Brian is the best yoga instructor ever! My sister is going through really serious health issues and she enrolled his class only couple weeks ago ,l can't believe how quickly she recovered from meningitis and muscle aches! she is doing so well now! We can't thank enough for Brian &BodyTonic ! read more

No yoga mats. Be prepared to be touched a lot by Brian. Very uncomfortable environment. Class is alright you join for a deal and it's limited to beginner classes that repeat the same session. read more

There are *tons* of yoga studios to choose from in San Francisco. Choose wisely and do not choose this one! The owner/only instructor cannot take constructive criticism (ie, to speak louder) and is rude. Also, I reviewed this place on Google, and the owner had the GALL to repy to my review! That should definitely not be allowed! It only served to prove my point and advice about going here: 1. Don't bother 2. See number one read more

Highly recommend CYC for anyone new to yoga. Brian, the owner, is very welcoming and the classes are small enough that he knows everyone's name. I really appreciated the small class size and the fact that Brian went around correcting everyone on their form. Once you got the hang of it, he encouraged you to push harder. I came to CYC with severe back pain related to work stress and jiu jitsu injuries. After a few weeks, I slept better and no longer had pain that woke me up in the middle of the night. Back pain is a common issue in jiu jitsu. Most of us have tried massages, massage tools, and balms. But I'm convinced that yoga is the only thing that works because it really stretches the muscles that can't be reached by massage. Since my work schedule has been crazy lately, my only wish is that CYC had more classes. read more

I have been doing yoga for decades...it prevented some of my injuries (i.e. bunions) but I still had some big ones I could not fix (i.e. sciatica). I was just trying to figure out how to take the next step and lo and behold I walked past BodyTonicSF. I emailed and Brian responded right away helping me talk it through. I signed up for the 12week transformation course, which both felt amazing and showed me where I need to start making changes. I then signed up for the annual membership and am well on my way to long-term healing and fitness. Brian is super good at explaining what's going on physically and mentally. I am so glad I have found the right place to set myself up for a healthy body for the next 30 or 40 years of my life. If you are looking for that extra something you need to move past your fitness or health challenges, this is it! read more

The California Yoga Company has had a profound positive impact on my recovery and mental well being since I've been going class. and it's only been three months. To say that the Brian and California Yoga Company has been a game changer for me is an extreme understatement. Last December I broke my ankle and fractured my tibia in 13 places (it was a Pilon Fracture). I was non-weight bearing, on bed rest, for 3 months. That was followed by another 3 months of gradually increasing the amount of weight I could put on my left foot. That process took me from a walker, a knee scooter, crutches and finally a walking boot. On August 8, 2018 I went to my 8-month check-up with my surgeon and received a devastating diagnosis. That was that my range of motion would likely not improve EVER. At the same time my physical therapist discharged me from my weekly therapy because she felt there was no longer a value add to my recovery. It was a serendipitous 3 days later that someone in my apartment building who had seen me through my stages of recovery told me about the California Yoga Company. I called Brian the next day. He asked about my injury and my recovery to date. Brian's response was respectfully, he wouldn't accept the diagnosis of the surgeon and that he could help. He said it would just take time and dedication on my part. I went to my first class that same day. I've been going to class regularly and have seen and felt a radical improvement in my ankle range of motion, the strength of my ankle and foot and my walking stamina. Before I started going to class, I was limited to a few block walking radius. Today, I don't have those limitations. My journey so far has been fantastic and I am so thankful for my improvement. But what's even more exciting and motivating is that I know my journey and recovery is really only starting now. I couldn't be more appreciative of the amazing space and experience that the California Yoga Company has given me. read more

Namaste! Years ago I practiced bikram & moved on to more active ashtanga yoga. Over last couple years fell out practice & dropped to one restorative class per week. Lucky me! CYC ran deal & gave it a try. So glad I did! I've been going to bush street studio for 2 + months & enjoying process of renewing yoga practice. Following special offer - I enjoyed benefits so much that I signed on for 6 month unlimited pass. Class is great led by Brian (and Sarah on Wednesday) & totally welcoming in terms of new yogis or, or in my case, lapsed. Love series & can see path to getting stronger, more flexible & better at yoga. Love that studio / class is low key but also inspiring - some of practitioners are advanced level & rock the poses. I'm happy to have found CYC & will keep going until I master all poses & inner peace ‍... fabulous experience! Brian also offers awesome program on healthy eating for your body type. I see benefits & dialogue of folks that work with Brian on that program. Totally free as part yoga membership & overall health plan. I haven't tried this part but on list to do! Brian is dedicated to making his clients happy & well & its awesome! Definitely give it a go for class & likely you'll be a CYC convert ... great experience! Highly recommend this spot! read more

Body Tonic SF - Yoga Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is for the new Polk Street studio (as some of the reviews seem to be for other locations). At the recommendation of a friend who knows the owner, I purchased a recent Facebook deal offer that gives me 60 classes over 3 months for $40. Given the prices at the studio, this sounded like a great deal, especially for trying it out. I'd previously tried hot Bikram yoga at another studio and while I like the idea of warm/hot yoga, the combination of heat, humidity and being out of practice for awhile led to an extremely uncomfortable and disappointing experience that culminated in a blistering migraine. Suffice to say, I never went back. I held out hope though that warm Hatha yoga might be a step in a different direction. I made my purchase and a week later finally made it into the studio. The room was very warm, but not uncomfortably so. The difference between here and the Bikram studio was the humidity... this was a comfortable dry heat and kept me warm throughout the session, but not dripping with sweat. My asthma stayed controlled and while I did sweat, I didn't ever hit the point where all my bodyparts were so slippery that I couldn't hang on to myself. The workout is definitely there. As a practitioner of yoga for nearly 12 years, I found myself working and stretching and rediscovering my flexibility (I've been lax in my practice for awhile). I even learned a new pose. There are definitely some more intermediate level poses (such as the balance poses) but the instructors are good at walking students through each step to get to the final pose, while encouraging them to stop at certain points in order to get more practice in the basics (such as staying in a standing pose with one leg up to work on strength in the legs before trying to kick out). I've had three classes with two instructors at this point and have dealt with at least one other employee while there. Everyone is friendly and helpful and kind. Best of all, I think I've found a happy medium with a hot/warm yoga practice that I enjoy. The heat level is within my comfort level, making me warm enough to feel like I'm getting a good solid workout, allowing my muscles and joints to loosen up enough to push my flexibility and get deeper into some poses, yet not stupidhot and making it hard to breathe and requiring a cold bath when I get home. I would say my only single complaint, which I won't remove stars for because I wasn't expecting this anyway, is that this is still very much an "exercise" style of yoga class. There is very little to no meditation or spiritual guidance. There is definitely a relaxation phase at the end, and the instructors work with breathing and focus, but I do miss the small classes with a yogi instructor in a dark room with music and bowls and gongs and whatnot. Highly recommended if you're looking for a good hot/warm yoga studio and find Bikram to be a bit too intense (heat-wise that is). I am aiming to join up to the studio for regular classes once my trial is up! read more

Brian is the best. He is a healer and an amazing, down to earth instructor. Do yourself and favor and sign up for one of his class packages!

Great online classes which has help my all over body movement and balance strength. Can't wait for in person classes to be back. Good online access for the amount of travel I do. Thank you Brian for your continued encouragement and dedication to practice. Love yoga now. read more

Brian of Body Tonic, formally California Yoga Company, is the absolute best! I have been going to his studio for over 10 years, I lived in SF for 4 years and have gone every time I am in town and now all from the comfort of my own home. He has helped me with my back and neck pain more than the many many other things I have tried for it. To have this routine during COVID is a literal life saver and the online community he has created, the amazing 6 week unlimited deal he runs every so often is not to be missed! read more

Brian is an amazing instructor. He helped my flexibility after a knee cap dislocation. He's very encouraging and let's you know when he sees improvement. So bummed that I don't live in the city any longer. No other studio matches his. read more

So I'm trying the introductory offer as I type and have taken a couple of classes... and it's awesome. I've always loved rather strenuous activities but after injuring my foot and searching for a healthy way to get in shape, this seems just right. CLASS OFFERINGS & COST: Classes are offered frequently -- not just throughout the week but w/in a day! -- where you can either go yoga before or after work. Bulk class cards expire in 1 YEAR (!! yay for lazyass me !!), and if you purchase with cash or check, you get 10% OFF! ADDITIONAL PROS: I don't have any experience with other yoga studios but the no perfume policy is great too; I hate being suffocated by other people's cologne when exercising and/or in a small space. And it's gonna smell like sweat, so deal or don't. I'm also afraid of Bekram style (I pass out after minutes in a sauna), so the temperature is just "warm enough" here. SPECIFICS: Brian is very attentive to individual needs and abilities, tailors each exercise to what you can do at the time, and answers your questions thoroughly. His instructions and corrections are precise and detailed which I like. Seriously, what a former personal trainer neglected to teach me about my postural problems, Brian was able to pin point and advise exercises to help begin correcting them within seconds of seeing my feet. I'm really excited to have found this place and the re-education I'm getting about my body. Thanks Brian!! read more

I've been coming to California Yoga Company for more than a year now and it's been a life-changing place for my recovery. I have scoliosis and neck problems, so every activity I look for needs to be aligned with that, but this experience has been more than just that, it has been an amazing journey for a recovery process. Brian's practice training is extremely good for posture, back problems, and general well-being. It's been incredible for me to see the progress you can achieve in each posture by doing them repeatedly, with conscience and care. Here's the good part, over the course of a year, my neck pain started to go away and my scoliosis softened a lot. I even took a spine's x-ray for a checkup and discovered I had a 30% improvement! I've tried different activities but this is the first time that I could actually see betterment in my spine. So give it a try, even if the first time seems hard. Constancy is key for recovery. Be patient. You need to allow the change in your body and your mind and that takes time! Prepare to sweat, build muscles and improve your posture. Change is possible and I'm so happy I found it! Thank you Brian! read more

I have been coming to CYC for over a year now. If you are looking for a great stretch, low impact yet powerful hot yoga...this is the place. I used to practice bikram yoga weekly but what I like more about CYC is it's more practical for daily routine as it's not as intensely hot. Brian is very good at correcting everyone's postures, so you definitely will feel your muscle working out. Definitely recommend this place. read more

I'm really happy that I found CYC and have been able to start doing yoga there. I've been looking for a way to stay active after quitting a team sport that I was heavily involved with over the past five years and so far these classes do not disappoint! I leave class each time drenched in sweat and feeling satisfied knowing that I've pushed myself as hard as I could. I really enjoy the no-frill feel of the classes - all you know is some water and a towel, no fancy mat or yoga clothes - which allows you to focus on your own body and pushing yourself to do better than you did the last time. Everyone in the class is at different levels and there is no pressure to compete with others, just to do the best for you, at that moment. Brian seems to know exactly when you need help and when you need a little push and he always injects a little humor to keep things from getting too serious. read more

My first class was in California yoga com and to be honest it's the best sports do to keep your body shape perfect I can't stop doing yoga even if I don't go I'm still do it at my house with my girlfriend !! thank you !! read more

I really feel bad for Brian . I enjoyed his class given it was very near my place. I was encouraged to continue m classes despite my pregnancy. I complete trusted him. He said I can continue it until before I give birth and he will modify my poses. I signed up for auto pay . 5 months into it, he displays and emails a promo. Pay for 3 months in advance (500) and and get 2 months free. We talked about it and he said I could cancel anytime and get a refund if I decide otherwise given I was pregnant. 2 days later, I decided it would be wiser I do a monthly payment and requested for a refund in which he agreed to. When I followed this up, he said it didn't enter his account yet, so ok, sure. NOT! A week later he closed shop! And sends an email about finances and the decision. He promised to do a monthly refund by sending checks. He only did one month and then now he says he is protected by the bankruptcy act. After sending 2 emails to expect payment that's on the way. Seriously! This was all planned , you ran a promo and took money until your last days. Nice one! I even see you in the park and you can all be Chatty and friendly with your son after clearly taking advantage of me. Was I the only 1 who paid 500 full in the last promo he ran?! Do not trust the guy!!!! read more

Brian totally scammed me! He got me into a prepay ($400 for 3mos, plus get an additional 3 months free) to start after a 2 mo living social deal I had signed up for expired. 1 month and 3 weeks into this prepayment for 6 months of classes, he closes up shop with no word or notice. He sends an email assuring his customers he will reimburse. Months later and no reimbursement. I contacted him numerous times without response. Finally I get ahold of him. He tells me he did not feel I deserve a refund, since the last three months were free anyway. I told him I prepaid for 6 mos of services, and got less than 2. He assured me a check would be mailed to me after I attempted to appeal to his sense of fairness. No refund for services not rendered. And shocked (but not surprised) to hear so many others were cheated the same way! Stay clear of this man and his despicable business practices. He is ruthless! read more

Incredible class, Brian is an excellent instructor who helps and adjusts each position to reach max flexibility. Really excited to continue practicing here! read more

Getting into yoga at CYC with Brian was and continues to be the best decision I've ever made. I've never felt better than after consistently practicing here with Brian. What CYC does better than any other studio I've been to is actually giving a fuck about their students. Too many times have I been to a different studio where instructors only yell out poses and give very little instruction. At the end of the class you don't feel like you did you best or had a good work out because the instructor failed at the primary reason you showed up, to be instructed! Brian guides you through poses, doesn't slap silly names on them, and even modifies them for you based on your current level and type of injury you may have. He describes them exceptionally well, "feet together hands up, stretch from the ends of the body and reach down to touch the toes" etc. You could do this class with your eyes closed due to the level in which you're told how to feel and move into and out of poses. There are a few reviews here that claim Brian scammed them and I'd just like to set the record straight. I too was someone who had a pay in full and recommitted just before Brian was FORCED to close due to the landlord and issues beyond his control. I was repaid in full within a month of closure ($800) and sadly had to find another practice until thankfully Brian returned to the area. If you want to get into yoga, heal nagging injuries and increase your core strength and flexibility, this class is for you. If you want to do yoga without feeling like you need to memorize Warrior 1700 and Chaturanga then this class is for you. I've seriously never felt better. read more

"Oh sorry this class is for Diamond only." And then handed me a card with the classes on it. This is the condescending greeting I got on my first visit to California Yoga Company. I was really looking forward to attending class, especially after reading the great reviews. I had checked the class schedule and apparently it recently changed where just on Tuesday at 7:30 is for "diamond" members." Are you really going to start off someone who is completely new to your studio like that? I had driven all the way over, paid the meter for 2 hours, waited in the hallway (so weird) without even knowing what loomed in front of me, and then was greeted in this manner. I bought the living social deal for 2 months unlimited, but at this point, I don't even care about redeeming it. That was rude and embarrassing. ------------------------------ I won't wait until I can write an update- yes you were rude and you could have made an exception. This is why people are nervous to go to yoga studios in the first place, you all act like you're above it. -------------------------------- Let it be known that I will be going to a different studio, which is much closer, nicer, and actually has more than ONE ROOM! Good luck to you, drill sergeant Brian. read more

The guy turned me down because I didn't have a 'goal'. He refunded my money saying I'm not a good fit. His words: 'We really have culture of setting intention and helping our clients get to their health goals. Just doing yoga is not a goal it's an action.' Doing yoga is not a goal but an action! Really? One lives one learns. This is my experience, judge for yourselves. I'm not surprised his response bellow is the way it is. He's the one who was arrogant and negative, not me. My 'sin' was telling him that I didn't have a goal of losing weight but doing yoga on regular basis. I can only explain such behavior with some sort of substance abuse. May god help this poor guy and his business...and his clients too. Namaste! ;) read more

First off, I've written maybe three Yelp reviews in my lifetime. So here's why now: I'm a 48 year old guy living in Russian Hill, dealing with various injuries and excess pounds accumulated over the years and I've tried it all. "All" here means in the last 5 years: Crunch, Fitness SF, World Gym, K-1 martial arts, StudioMix, Pop Physique, Burn, Krav Maga, and more. Prior to that, 10 years of aikido and years of Brazilian jiujitsu, Krav Maga, rugby, and weights. For various reasons I've enjoyed them all but now, due to a convergence of timing, location, CYC culture, and the style of yoga taught here, CYC is the place where I can see myself staying for a very, very long time -- Big deal since I've not felt this way about a discipline or studio in a decade plus. Why? Monnier knows who he is, what he's about and has his method dialed-in. There is no pandering, chanting or false guru bullshit. This is not a social club for lost souls looking for validation, comfort and a place to talk about whatever emotional damage is holding them back. You will be pushed. Guidance is firm, natural, honest and authentic. You will work, sweat and leave each class feeling far better than when you entered. You will know, in your bones, that if you stick with this, the benefits over time will pay off in your body and how you feel. It's not for everyone -- nothing is. But if this review resonates, you owe it to yourself to try it. Good luck. read more

I wanted to like this studio, I really did. Good deal, good location, good reviews, bad experience. Brian, the owner, is brash and presumptuous. I called the studio to ask if classes other than beginner level would be offered as I was concerned about opportunities to grow my practice if I bought a membership. No one picked up the phone for a week and when I finally sent an email, he replied that "From the tone of your email, I don't think that our studio may suit you". HOOOOOKAY. What kind of tone could you gather from an email? Rude before I even met the guy. Thinking he may have had an off day, I went anyways. He happened to be teaching my class. 2 stars for the studio being well lit, modern and clean. As an instructor, he was attentive and felt unrehearsed. I will not return however because: 1. NO MUSIC - he says it interferes with his teaching. 2. NO MATS - you only use a towel and his poses will often be off the towel which leads to #3... 3. CARPET - you tell us to get off the towel and then everyone sweats on the carpet. Then I have to smell/touch carpet. Disgusting. read more

I purchased a deal for this place that offered unlimited yoga for two months. I signed up soon after buying the deal, and the place was insanely crowded. So crowded that they ended up rejecting people about five minutes before the class even started. I mainly went to the evening classes taught by Brian who is the owner and head instructor. He has a very strict, almost drill-sergeant style. He'd be like your personal trainer at the gym, if that's what you're looking for. Brian is also intolerant of late people; he locks the door very promptly when the class starts. This is very annoying for people like me who are commuting 40 minutes from across town and dealing with inefficient public transportation. Regarding the classes, I felt the poses were quite useful, but the instructor goes through the same routine every single class, which can get a bit tedious. Other yoga classes I've been to tend to improvise their routines a bit more, so each class is slightly different even though taught by the same person. He does offer towels and mats during the class for $1 a pop. I also felt some of the poses were slightly too advanced for me to perform effectively. Other than that, I did feel like I was getting a workout. Even though my deal lasted for two months, I pretty much stopped going after the first month. read more

I am only giving one star because it's not possible to give ZERO or MINUS ONE star on Yelp. I live two blocks away from the new location on Polk street and was very excited when they opened. I visited the website and read everything I could but I also wanted to talk to someone to get more info about the classes and, being a beginner Yoga practitioner, learn more about Yoga itself. My first attempt to talk to someone at this place: I believe the owner was in the front desk... I saw him and tried to get in but the door was locked, so I waved from behind the glass and he looked at me with a very annoyed face making signs with his hand that the studio was closed. He didn't even care about being AT LEAST polite! Regardless of that experience, I tried again and my second attempt was as follows: there was a young woman at the front desk and she was talking to a friend. Again, I tried to walk in but the door was locked so I waved and tried to ask, from behind the glass, if they were open. She also seemed very annoyed to see me but she did open the door and asked "WHAT'S UP, WHAT'S GOING ON?". I explained I would like to get more info about the place and about the classes and she said "SURE, TAKE ONE OF THESE!". She handed me a schedule, which I had already seen on the website and she pretty much "kicked me out". So yah... I would love to be posting a review about the classes at the California Yoga Company but I never had a chance to even try. I guess they are not interested in taking new students... maybe they just have a very tight group and want to keep it like that! They definitely don't care about greeting new people and being nice to them and that's why they'll eventually FAIL! ____ PS.: In response to Brian M. comment: Ha! No... I don't think so! The instructor was annoyed because she was in the middle of a long conversation with a friend. There was no class about to start, the studio was empty. You, on the other hand, was annoyed because you were doing something in the computer at the front desk. Again, there was no class about to start because I had checked the schedule online and made sure I left my apartment and stopped by when there was no class scheduled. By the way, yes, I did find a real Yoga studio with friendly people and excellent customer service. Also, I'm pretty sure that the people at that studio don't have the bad habit of underestimating people's intelligence on Yelp! read more

Just had my first session with Brian at California Yoga Company and it was awesome! Highly recommend Brian and the team at California Yoga Company! read more

The California Yoga Company inspires you and makes your day absolutely beautiful. I love this place so much that I fall asleep excited for my next yoga class and the amazing feeling I get while I perform the poses, and the blissful feeling as I start my day. I'm officially hooked. The people and the instructors (especially Bill(!)) are completely amazing. Every day I can feel my body loving myself. Mentally, physically, and emotionally I am completely relaxed, satisfied, and confident as I continue my day with a huge smile on my face. I love my life. I'm a happy, genuine person who is a law student here in the city. But with a little over a year left before I enter the professional world, I wanted to have more balance in my life. I'm an avid runner, and I kick butt in this fast-paced, stressful, and competitive world that we live in, but I wanted something more-- to give me inner-peace and quietness. I dated a couple of guys who were totally into yoga (and extremely fit), so starting hot yoga was always lingering in the back of my mind. Once I saw the livingsocial deal and researched this company, I signed up and have been so blessed these past 7 days, it's been incredible:) There are so many aspects of the California Yoga Company that work together to create such a gracious and wonderful experience. The studio is brightly colored with red and orange walls, the lighting is absolutely perfect, and the studio has a balcony area overlooking some magnificent greenery. Everything is perfectly clean and the the environment is so uplifting and encouraging. I'm so thrilled and cheerful as I walk into the door (make sure to take your shoes off:) and then to speak with Bill about my previous class and any questions/concerns I have, is truly the best. As soon as I walk into the heated room (90-95 degrees), I forget about everything else. It's a cleansing time. You can tell that the others in the class are enjoying themselves too. It's truly such a wonderful environment. Bill is incredible. I love his classes because you can tell he loves what he does. He enjoys helping his students perfect their techniques and push them, so they can fulfill the poses and reach their full potential. He will say your name in class and make some sort of silly joke as he encourages you to pull your elbows in, lean more, pull in your stomach, and breathe. You get an insane workout! Abs, butt, legs, shoulders, arms, etc. were all sore, but in an empowering and awesome way. I feel myself paying attention to my breathing (even outside of class) and walking upright with my shoulders back. I sleep amazing and feel refreshed. This is such a great company. I was concerned about over 500 people buying the livingsocial deal and the limit of only 35 students per class, so I e-mailed the owner, Brian. He got back to me within minutes and assured me if I got there early I would be fine. He wished me luck with my first class. I have been nothing but impressed and inspired by my yoga classes, the other people, and the staff. It's hard to imagine any greater blessing in my life. I'm looking forward to a life filled with hot yoga and the continued inspiration and love. read more

I was so excited when California Yoga Company opened up on Polk St. I moved back to SF last year from LA, and had gotten addicted to Core Power Yoga, so I was super stoked to have a hot yoga studio nearby. I purchased a 2-month membership on LivingSocial for $40 (a steal, BTW), but was only able to make to class four times (I take pilates classes at a studio in the Marina almost every day, so it was difficult to make class). It was also difficult, because I just couldn't get excited about the classes. I took a class with Bill, a couple with Brian, and one with one other instructor (a woman). I found Bill's instruction really stressful, but I liked Brian & the other instructor's classes. I'm not sure what it was that didn't quite click with me, whether it was the carpeted floors (yuck), the lack of mirrors in the studio (I think they have mirrors now), or the type of yoga (some of the poses & form were different than in my Vinyasa practice), or the fact that they seemed really necessarily strict about some of the poses. It's one thing to fix a student's form, but a couple of times, the instructor came to fix a pose & it didn't make a difference. The only difference was that the particular pose is practiced differently in this studio. In the end, my heart still belongs to Core Power Yoga & I'll be without a yoga home until they open a studio in San Francisco. It does seem that a lot of yogis are devoted to this studio, so I would recommend trying it for yourself to see if you'd like this style of yoga. read more

This is an awesome studio to learn yoga in. And really learn it. Brian teaches the basics and makes sure that you are properly in poses and breathing correctly, rather than powering through yoga like many gym classes. I really feel like I've done my body good after one of his classes, not soar. Also, the room temperature is very good. It's not nearly as hot as a Bikram studio, but it is heated. read more

I've been trying to find a yoga studio close to work to encourage me to go regularly. I thought it was perfect when they offered a Groupon to try out. I bought a 30 day unlimited pass only to use 4 classes. The studio is fairly nice and spacious which got it an extra star. However, the month I went, none of the other teachers on the schedule were there. I had to take 3 out of 4 classes with Brian, whom I didn't care for. His style is not for me and he leaves no room for a newbie to learn poses or positions. He's a "next", "next" kinda guy with no instruction but will come fix you and tell you you're doing it wrong with no problem. I tried to go on nights where different instructors were listed but every time I walked in, it was him. Sarah was injured and another instructor was on vacation. I lucked out one night with a woman, Jeri, who was fantastic! But I asked Brian if she would be back and he said no. After my 3rd class with Brian, I attempted to walk by each night to see if there was another instructor but it was always him sitting there; then I would just walk home. He seems to be great for some people but he's not for everyone. He may know his stuff but he's no teacher by any means. He even cursed on several occasions; that's not the type of environment I'm looking for. Had there been more instructors besides him, I would've made more use out of my groupon and possibly continued going there but it was a waste. On to finding the next yoga/hot yoga studio near by. read more

Update 8/8/07: So I wasn't very pleased with this place but Brian the owner was kind enough to email me with any concerns I may have had and even offered to refund my money! Now that's customer service! I appreciate his thoughtfulness and attention to the reviews. I'm used to a much more disciplined practice, in 105 heat, with a structured program. I like my regular yoga classes as well, but this place just tried too hard to not be Bikram but still use parts of his sequence! read more

I am a regular Bikram Yogi but decided to try this Hot Yoga studio when I first moved to San Fran. I hate to say it but its just OK. The "hot" part of this practice is a joke-- theres literally a space heater in the corner and thats it. (I did overhear the owner say something about new heaters coming soon, but who knows when/if that'll happen) I always went to the 10 am class, so maybe it heats up more during the pm classes? The class itself is a variation of Bikram poses only you go through most of them only once and theres an (albeit tough) ab section towards the end. The owner Brian is super nice and really cares about each person there. I did take one class with the other instructor (Bill?) who was HILARIOUS, I would honestly go back just for him. Plus, it was a much harder class. I do like that the class is just over an hour long and the space is clean. No showers or anything though...but you don't sweat nearly enough as you do in Bikram. No need for showers here. Overall, if you're new to yoga, this is not a bad place to start. If you're an experienced Bikram yogi and crave a challenge, stick to Bikram. This studio just isn't as hot or focused. read more

I bought the LivingSocial two-month yoga deal to get myself in shape before my wedding. I've done both vinyasa and Bikram yoga before, but was out of practice. Those two months were definitely a life-changing experience: I lost weight, gained muscle, and one of my co-workers said to me, "you look the picture of health." I've never been told that in my life! No class is exactly the same, and I find my practice getting a little better each time, especially since the teachers really seem to care. Brian is a stickler for perfect form (I know that I can't give anything but 100% whenever he's pacing around the class), Diana's class is more mellow and relaxing, and Bill is hilarious! He knows just how to motivate me to get my leg up one inch higher, or my nose one inch closer to the floor. I personally enjoy the heat- it's just enough to warm up my muscles and get a little extra stretchniess, but not excessive. I look forward to coming back once all the wedding craziness is over! read more

My platform is strongly anti-gym (but highly pro heel-toe express). It is also strongly anti-schedule, but I break my own damn rules for yoga, even if I may have the worst technique ever and it's an environment in which farts are to be regarded as natural, instead of totally hilarious. It's too bad that most yoga studios in the city are pretty expensive, which is enough to turn me off of it and simply swear to sub sorbet for ice cream for the next month. Yogic Motion isn't too expensive, but it's not too inexpensive either, unless we're talking the super sweet 20 bucks for the first month intro deal. The instructors are cool, but do not expect to not be called out. Also, it is the same routine pretty much every time, which eats at my soul. I need new things! I need a downward dog! Anyway, I'd love to indulge my frugality and find a cheaper yoga studio, so if you know of one, do let me know. read more

I've been coming to California Yoga Company for over two years now and it is absolutely my "yoga home." I had been to a few yoga classes at the gym, but hadn't caught the yoga bug. Those classes always left me feeling like a failure for being so not-flexible but at the same time not feeling like I got a good workout. Like so many others, I first found out about CYC through a LivingSocial deal and thought I'd give it a try. I considered myself to be in pretty good shape when I first started yoga, but that first class at CYC kicked my butt. I woke up the next morning sore all over, but sore in the way that I couldn't wait to get back to class and do it again. I knew that there were real changes happening in my body and it was so exciting. Regular yoga practice helped me bounce back from a stress fracture and torn ligament and stay healthy through a year where I ran two marathons and 4 half-marathons. I accomplished my lifelong goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon by running only 3 times a week but coming to yoga 3-4 times a week. Coming to class at CYC balances me - it has made me stronger, more flexible, and leaner all over. The stretching and compression of your muscles, joints, and organs makes all the difference. I have visibly defined abs for the first time since college! Even more amazing than the physical transformation are the mental and emotional changes I've experienced thanks to CYC. I was extremely intimidated about going to a yoga studio. I thought I would never fit in and would look silly. I couldn't have been more wrong. CYC is the most welcoming place - no matter how I feel when I walk into class, I always leave feeling cleansed, refreshed, and thoroughly worked out. CYC has taught me to appreciate my body for what it can do and not beat myself up for what I perceive as my shortcomings. I'll never be perfect, but if I show up to class and put forth an honest effort, I'll reap the rewards. Before starting a regular yoga practice, I often hated my body. Now, I'm more than at peace with my body - I love my body! None of this would be possible without the amazing people at CYC. Brian runs a top-notch studio and truly cares about his students. He teaches in a way that is easy to understand and allows individuals of all levels to push to their personal limits in a safe and supportive environment. Bill's concentration on breath helps move my practice from just physical to meditative. All of the teachers are amazing. Every time I have friends or family visit from out of town I make sure they come to class with me - my best friend visits regularly from NYC and demands I take her to CYC every time. I'm about to move to Europe and I'm heartbroken to be leaving CYC behind - but lucky for me (and you too!) Brian has created an audio file that you can download to do your Monnier Method yoga wherever, whenever. And you better believe that whenever I'm back in the Bay Area I'll be coming to class at CYC! read more